Whether applying for internships, gearing up to graduate, or thinking about summer plans, career prep is front of mind for Catamounts. Many students take advantage of UVM’s Career Center, while others also seek career advice from faculty and staff in their colleges. The Career Center recognizes the important work of these campus partners at the annual Career Champions Breakfast, where faculty and staff who’ve supported career development in the past are celebrated. The latest Career Champions Breakfast was held on February 13, 2025.
At the breakfast, Career Center staff also announced open nominations for the fifth annual Career Champion Awards, which recognize one faculty member and one staff member for exceptional work in supporting students’ career journeys. The award includes a $500 cash prize, and the awardee names join past recipients on a plaque in the Career Center office.
“Our vision is that all students graduate from UVM feeling confident, curious, and courageous as they navigate their careers,” said Sarah Heath, Director of the Career Center. “Every time we invite a student to reflect, we help them build confidence. Every time we spur exploration of an interest, we’re stoking curiosity. Every time we encourage hands-on learning, we’re helping students develop that courage.”
“It was lovely to be recognized for work that’s so important,” said Amy M. Tomas, Director of Undergraduate Programs and Senior Lecturer at Grossman School of Business, who was named a Career Champion three years ago. “We focus on building your network starting the very first days [students] are with us. Build that network for life; it’s the way many of us find our professional connections.”
Susan Marie Harrington, a professor at the Center for Teaching and Learning who attended this year’s breakfast, emphasized the importance of taking pride in effort. “Don’t be afraid of owning the work you do,” she said. “You can still make an impact doing very ordinary things.”
As the job landscape continues to evolve, perspective from the industry remains imminently valuable. Jason Hibbeler, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, spoke candidly at the breakfast about the challenges students face today, noting how competitive the job market has become, even for top students.
“I can’t tell you how many students we’re seeing who say, ‘I sent out 60 resumes,’” Hibbeler said. “What we say is there are things you can control and things you can’t control. You can’t control inflation or general uncertainty, but you can control how you prepare [to find a job]. There’s anxiety, definitely—Students know how to do the work and do well in classes. But having to go out and sell themselves, that’s different. Can you do it? Absolutely! But it takes practice and a little bit of confidence. The more you do it, the easier it gets.”
Five years into celebrating Career Champions, the Career Center is hoping to get more nominations than ever. The nomination is open now until March 28, allowing students, faculty, and staff to recognize those who make a meaningful impact on the career development of UVM students. Nominations can be made on the Career Center’s website.
“Career support outside the Career Center office isn’t always recognized enough and we want to say we see you,” said Heath. “Whether these partners are nominated or won, their work is making a difference for students across campus.”